Objective  To make a systematic review with meta-analysis on the effects of physical activity/exercise on vitamin D, and provide a theoretical evidence of regulating the micro-nutrients based on the observational and experimental studies.

  Methods  Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI were searched for observational studies and experimental studies as of November 30, 2020. Literatures were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were systematically reviewed with meta-analysis.

  Results  74 studies were eligible, including 51 observational studies and 23 experimental studies. The result of observational studies showed that there was a significant positive correlation between total physical activity and 25(OH) D level. Subgroup analysis showed that outdoor physical activity could significantly reduce the risk of vitamin D deficiency, but not for indoor physical activity; physical activity with high intensity could reduce the risk of vitamin D deficiency, but not for low physical activity; physical activity in different seasons could significantly reduce the risk of vitamin D deficiency. The result of experimental studies reports both acute exercise intervention and chronic exercise intervention could improve serum 25(OH) D level. Subgroup analysis showed that endurance training and endurance combined with resistance training could increase serum 25(OH) D level, but not for resistance training.

  Conclusion  There is a significant positive correlation between physical activity and serum vitamin D level, and exercise intervention has a beneficial effect on the nutritional status of circulating vitamin D.